McLaren has revealed plans to auction their 2026 Formula 1 car prior to its debut on the circuit with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This unique event, scheduled during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will include three of McLaren’s upcoming race vehicles: the 2026 F1 car, the 2026 Indy 500 contender, and the 2027 World Endurance Championship car.
These offerings reflect McLaren’s commitment to showcasing its evolving motorsport technology and celebrating its rich history across various racing disciplines.
McLaren’s Pursuit of Motorsport’s Prestigious Triple Crown
Each vehicle in the auction highlights a key milestone in McLaren’s storied legacy, from pioneering Formula 1 designs to their return to endurance racing. The team intends to rekindle its pursuit of the rare Triple Crown of Motorsport — victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans — all symbolized by McLaren’s iconic papaya livery.
McLaren’s achievement of the Triple Crown dates back to 1995, when drivers JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya secured a Le Mans win, complementing Alain Prost’s 1984 Monaco GP and Johnny Rutherford’s 1974 Indy 500 triumphs.
Looking ahead, McLaren will re-enter endurance racing in 2027 with a hypercar crafted by Dallara and powered by an in-house engine, marking its dedication to future motorsport successes.
Beyond endurance racing, McLaren has expanded its presence internationally, holding a 75 percent stake in Schmidt Peterson Motorsports since 2021, which competes in IndyCar. This positions McLaren uniquely with entries in three of the world’s premier motorsport competitions.
Exclusive Opportunities and VIP Access for Bidders
McLaren CEO Zak Brown emphasized the rarity of this auction, highlighting its significance for enthusiasts and collectors alike:
“This auction is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of racing history and bid for a car that has competed on track before its official launch,”
he stated.
Brown also noted the deeper strategic ambitions tied to the auction, linking it to McLaren‘s wider heritage and future goals:
“The Triple Crown is a huge part of our heritage and we are determined to claim it once again as we prepare for our 2027 entry into the World Endurance Championship. Not only that, these incredible cars will come with unprecedented VIP access to the team and action on track.”
The Significance of McLaren’s Motorsport Evolution
This auction offers a rare chance for collectors and fans to engage with McLaren‘s exciting trajectory before Norris and Piastri take these challengers to the track. The moves surrounding these cars and their subsequent races will test McLaren’s ambition to reclaim its status atop multiple racing disciplines and strengthen its brand presence across various global platforms.
As the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, anticipation builds around the auction of these vehicles, which not only celebrate past glories but also signal the team’s commitment to future success in Formula 1, IndyCar, and endurance racing.
